JP4619032B2 - Information recording method and apparatus, and multilayer code - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information recording method and apparatus for recording information in a pattern, for example, and a multilayer code.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a method for printing a barcode is provided as a method for attaching mechanically readable information to an article.
A system for acquiring information by reading a printed barcode with a barcode reader is widely used together with a POS system in a consumer store such as a convenience store or a department store.

  In recent years, various proposals have been made on the shape of such a barcode (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  However, since there is a limit to the amount of information that can be recorded with such a barcode, there are a large number of product types and the specifications of products to be managed are becoming more and more detailed today. Etc.) could not record all the required information.

  On the other hand, RF-ID tags have been proposed as a way to record a large amount of information and add it to articles. However, RF-ID tags can be a waste product after use, or can be mistakenly attached directly to food. There was a problem that it was not preferable because of the danger of

JP 2001-319197 A JP 2001-92919 A

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an information recording method and apparatus capable of recording a large amount of information by printing or the like, and a multilayer code to improve user satisfaction.

This invention generates a surface layer code by patterning elements based on information to be recorded, and generates a deep code by patterning and disposing fine elements having a size smaller than the elements based on information to be recorded An information recording method for generating a multi-layer code by forming at least a part of elements of the surface code by the deep code and recording the multi-layer code, the patterning rule for the surface code, and the deep layer The patterning rule of the code is the same rule, and when the multilayer code is generated, the deep code is arranged on the element that should be black of the surface code and the deep layer is arranged on the element that should be white of the surface code No code is arranged, or if the element of the surface code where the density of the deep code is more than a threshold is black, the element is arranged as it is Wherein the elements of the code is an information recording method of adding reversal detection data with arranging the deep code with black and white reversed if white.

  The surface layer code includes a code having a predetermined pattern such as a one-dimensional barcode such as JAN, ITF, CODE39, NW-7, and code128, a stack type or matrix type two-dimensional barcode.

  The element includes configuring a surface code such as a one-dimensional barcode bar, a stacked two-dimensional barcode symbol, a matrix two-dimensional barcode cell, or the like.

  The deep code includes a code having the same pattern as the surface code or a code having a pattern different from the surface code.

  The fine element includes a one-dimensional barcode bar, a stack-type two-dimensional barcode symbol, a matrix-type two-dimensional barcode cell, or the like that constitutes a deep layer code.

  The multi-layer code is composed of a two-layer code in which the elements of the surface layer code are formed with the deep code, or a code of three or more layers in which the fine elements of the deep code are formed with the finer code by repeating this hierarchical structure. including.

  The recording of the multilayer code includes recording by a predetermined means such as printing by a printing means, marking by a marking means, and the like.

With the above configuration, a large amount of data can be recorded with a multilayer structure.
In addition, since the element size is different for each layer, the resolution required for reading varies depending on the layer, and information with different levels, such as recording summary information on the surface code and detailed information on the deep code, etc. Levels can be recorded separately.
In addition, it is possible to write and read the surface layer code and the deep layer code with one algorithm, thereby reducing the cost.

  When recording is performed by dividing into levels as described above, for example, information can be recorded by printing, information for consumers can be recorded on the surface code, and information for merchants can be recorded on the deep code.

As a result, consumers can read only the information recorded on the surface code with a portable information terminal such as a camera-equipped mobile phone, and the contractor can also read information recorded on the deep code with a read-only device equipped with a high-resolution CCD camera A configuration in which reading is possible is possible .

Further, as an aspect of the present invention, it is possible to store different information in each deep code arranged in each element of the surface code and to have a predetermined number of deep codes of the same information. .
As a result, it is possible to improve reliability by avoiding inability to read due to breakage.

The present invention also includes a surface code generation means for patterning information to generate a surface code,
A deep code generating means for patterning information to generate a deep code; a multi-layer code generating means for generating a multi-layer code by incorporating the deep code in the surface code element; and a recording means for recording the generated multi-layer code. The patterning rule for patterning the surface code by the surface code generation means and the patterning rule for patterning the deep code by the deep code generation means are set to the same rule. The multilayer code generation means may arrange the deep code in an element that should be black in the surface code and not arrange the deep code in an element that should be white in the surface code when generating the multilayer code. Alternatively, if the element of the surface layer code in which the density of the deep layer code is arranged at a threshold value or more is black, the element is arranged as it is Can be elements of the layer code is configured in a data recording apparatus for adding an inverted detection data with arranging the deep code with black and white reversed if white.

  The surface layer code generation unit, the deep layer code generation unit, and the multilayer code generation unit include a control device such as a CPU or an MPU that executes arithmetic processing by a program.

The recording means is a means capable of recording information, such as a printing means for printing with a predetermined ink, a laser irradiation apparatus for printing a pattern with a fine laser, or a marking means for marking a target article for recording information. Including configuring.
With this configuration, it is possible to reliably record a multilayer code. In addition, it is possible to write and read the surface layer code and the deep layer code with one algorithm, thereby reducing the cost.

Further, the present invention comprises a surface layer code for recording information by patterning and disposing elements, and a deep layer code for recording information by patterning and disposing fine elements finer than the elements, the surface layer code A multilayer code comprising at least a part of the layer code , and the surface layer code patterning rule and the deep code patterning rule are the same and are patterned. The deep layer code is arranged in the element that should be black of the surface layer code, and the deep layer code is not arranged in the element that should be white in the surface layer code, or the density of the deep layer code is arranged above a threshold value If the element of the surface code is black, it is arranged as it is. If the element of the surface code is white, the deep code is arranged in black and white. Can be a multi-layer code inversion detection data is added with.

As a result, information can be recorded with a multilayer code that allows writing and reading of a surface layer code and a deep layer code with one algorithm . For example, an information recording medium can be obtained by attaching a multilayer code to an article.

  According to the present invention, a large amount of information can be recorded, and user satisfaction can be improved.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
First, the multilayer barcode information system 1 will be described with an image diagram of the system configuration shown in FIG.

  The multilayer barcode information system 1 includes a multilayer barcode writing device 10 and a multilayer barcode reader 20, and the multilayer barcode reader 20 is configured to be accessible to a WEB server 40 via the Internet 5. .

  The multilayer barcode writing device 10 detects the residual pesticide concentration of the fruits and vegetables (apples in this embodiment) 3 harvested by a farmer, and is installed in a shipping store that ships after inspection that the residual pesticide concentration is below a reference value.

  The multilayer barcode reader 20 is installed in a sales store that retails the fruits and vegetables 3. The multilayer barcode reader 20 may be provided in a consumer's home as a configuration owned by a consumer who purchases fruits and vegetables 3 at a store.

  The WEB server 40 is a server that allows browsing of a homepage to a terminal that is accessed via the Internet 5, and stores data such as a homepage of a farmer who grows fruits and vegetables 3, for example.

With the above system configuration, the multilayer bar code 60 can be written in the fruits and vegetables 3 by the multilayer bar code writing device 10 and supplied to the store.
The consumer can pick up the fruits and vegetables 3 from the display shelf 4 at the sales store, read the multilayer barcode 60 written in the fruits and vegetables 3 with the multilayer barcode reader 20, and browse the written data. .

  It is also possible to access the WEB server 40 from the data written as the multilayer barcode 60 and browse the homepage of a farmer or the like who cultivated the fruits and vegetables 3.

Next, the configuration of the multilayer barcode writing apparatus 10 will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.
The multilayer bar code writing apparatus 10 includes a control device 11, a storage device 12, an input device 14, a display device 15, and a printing device 16 connected to a bus 13.

  The control device 11 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and executes various control processes according to a program stored in the ROM and a program stored in the storage device 12.

  The storage device 12 is composed of a hard disk for storing necessary programs and data, and allows the control device 11 to write and read programs and data. In addition, a multilayer barcode writing program (PG) for generating a multilayer barcode from character data and writing it into the fruits and vegetables 3 by printing is also stored.

  The input device 14 is composed of a keyboard and a mouse, and allows the user's operation input such as data input for conversion into the multilayer barcode 60 by transmitting the input signal to the control device 11.

  The display device 15 is composed of a CRT display or a liquid crystal display, and displays a necessary screen such as a data input screen in accordance with the control of the control device 11.

  The printing device 16 prints the multilayer barcode 60 on the fruits and vegetables 3 by the inkjet method under the control of the control device 11. The ink used for printing the multilayer barcode 60 is composed of a fibrous ink that is harmless even if eaten by humans.

  With the above configuration, necessary data can be input by the multilayer barcode writing apparatus 10 and this data can be printed on the article such as fruits and vegetables 3 as the multilayer barcode 60.

  Next, the configuration of the multilayer barcode reader 20 will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.

  The multilayer barcode reader 20 includes a control device 21, a storage device 22, an input device 24, a display device 25, a reader device 26, and a communication device 27 connected to the bus 23.

  The control device 21 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and executes various control processes according to a program stored in the ROM and a program stored in the storage device 22.

  The storage device 22 includes a hard disk for storing necessary programs and data, and allows the control device 21 to write and read programs and data. A multilayer barcode reading program that analyzes the multilayer barcode and reads the recorded data is also stored.

  The input device 24 includes a keyboard and a mouse, and transmits the input signal that has been input to the control device 21.

  The display device 25 is composed of a CRT display or a liquid crystal display, and displays a necessary screen such as a read data display screen under the control of the control device 21.

  The reading device 26 is configured by a scanner that scans an image according to the control of the control device 21, and transmits the acquired image data to the control device 21.

  The communication device 27 is constituted by a LAN card, and executes data communication with the WEB server 40 via the Internet 5 (FIG. 1) under the control of the control device 21.

  With the above configuration, the data recorded by reading the multilayer barcode 60 can be displayed on the display device 25. In addition, it is possible to access the WEB server 40 via the Internet 5 and browse a home page provided by the WEB server 40.

  Next, the operation of the control device 11 of the multilayer barcode writing apparatus 10 will be described with reference to the processing flowchart shown in FIG.

  The control device 11 starts the multilayer barcode writing program, displays the multilayer barcode recording data input screen 50 shown in FIG. 5 on the display device 15, and allows input of data to be recorded on the multilayer barcode 60 ( Step n1).

  On the multi-layer barcode recording data input screen 50, text boxes 51 and 52 are arranged so that data to be recorded on the multi-layer barcode 60 can be divided into four areas from the first area to the fourth area. ing.

The text box 51 allows data input for the surface barcode and is provided with two in each area.
The text box 52 allows data input for the deep bar code and is provided with four in each area.

In this embodiment, the following data is set as data to be input to the text boxes 51 and 52.
About a 1st area | region, a brand name and a kind are recorded on a surface layer barcode, and cultivation methods 1-4 are recorded on a deep layer barcode.
For the second area, the production area and harvest date are recorded on the surface barcode, and the place name, producer, harvest field, producer URL, etc. are recorded on the deep barcode.

For the third region, the presence or absence of the residual agricultural chemical test and the result are recorded on the surface barcode, and the residual agricultural chemicals 1 to 4 are recorded on the deep barcode.
For the fourth area, the store and the expiration date are recorded on the surface barcode, and the contact information, address and URL of the store are recorded on the deep barcode.

  In the lower part of the screen, an OK button 53 for confirming input data and a cancel button 54 for canceling data input are provided.

  When necessary data is input to the text boxes 51 and 52 and the OK button 53 is pressed, the control device 11 generates a deep bar code (step n2). This deep barcode is composed of a two-dimensional barcode in which cells are arranged in a matrix.

When generating the deep bar code, the deep bar code data input to the text box 52 is converted into a matrix pattern according to a pattern rule predetermined for each area, thereby generating a deep bar code for each area. .
The deep bar code generated at this time is image data of a black and white binary image in which cells arranged in a matrix are expressed by white or black.

  When the generation of the deep bar code is completed, the control device 11 generates a surface bar code (step n3). This surface barcode is composed of a two-dimensional barcode in which cells are arranged in a matrix like the deep barcode.

  The surface barcode is generated by converting the data for the surface barcode input in the text box 51 into a matrix pattern according to a predetermined pattern rule.

  At this time, as shown in the image diagram of FIG. 6, black (filled portion) cells 71 are arranged in the areas 1 to 4 of the surface barcode 70 so as to store the input data for each area. Image data of the surface barcode 70 based on the value image is created.

  As shown in the image diagram of FIG. 7, the control device 11 replaces the deep bar code 80 of each region formed in the same size with the cell 71 (FIG. 6) portion of the surface bar code 70 to replace the multi-layer bar code. A code 60 is generated (step n4).

  That is, all black cells 71 (FIG. 6) in the first region are replaced with deep bar codes 80a (FIG. 7), and similarly, all black cells 71 in the second region are replaced with deep bar codes 80b. All black cells 71 in the three regions are replaced with the deep barcode 80c, and all black cells 71 in the fourth region are replaced with the deep barcode 80d.

  The generated multilayer barcode 60 becomes image data of a black and white binary image having a finer resolution than both the surface layer barcode 70 and the deep layer barcode 80.

  The control device 11 prints the generated multilayer barcode 60 on the fruits and vegetables 3 which are the articles to be recorded by the printing device 16 (step n5), and ends the multilayer barcode writing program.

  Through the above operation, necessary data is input to generate the multilayer barcode 60, and the generated multilayer barcode 60 is printed on the fruits and vegetables 3 as shown in the print image explanatory diagram of FIG. Can be recorded.

  In the multilayer barcode 60, since the same deep barcode 80 appears repeatedly as the cells 71 of the upper layer surface barcode 70 for each of the first to fourth areas, a part of the deep barcode 80 which is a fine pattern Even when dirt or chipping occurs, a normal deep bar code 80 remains.

  Next, the operation of the control device 21 of the multilayer barcode reader 20 will be described with reference to the processing flow diagram shown in FIG.

  The control device 21 scans the multilayer barcode 60 printed on the fruits and vegetables 3 by the reading device 26, and acquires image data (step s1). The image data acquired at this time is image data having a resolution equal to or higher than the resolution of the cell 81 (FIG. 7) of the deep barcode 80 in the multilayer barcode 60 in order to enable analysis up to the deep barcode 80. get.

  The control device 21 first acquires data recorded on the surface barcode 70 by low resolution analysis from the acquired image data (step s2).

  More specifically, in the multilayer barcode 60, the cells 71 that should be black for the surface barcode 70 are the deep barcode 80, and the cells 71 that should be white are white as they are, so that the density of a predetermined value or more is exceeded. The cell 71 is determined to be a black cell (data value = 1), and the other cells are determined to be white cells (data value = 0), whereby the reading process of the surface barcode 70 is executed.

  At this time, the direction and angle of the surface barcode 70 are detected, the matrix pattern in which the cells 71 are arranged is also acquired, and the data recorded as the surface barcode 70 is read accurately.

  Based on the acquired matrix pattern, the control device 21 analyzes the cell 71 of the surface barcode 70 with high resolution, and acquires data recorded in the deep barcode 80 constituting the cell 71 (step s3).

  The acquisition of the deep barcode 80 is executed a predetermined number of times for each area of the surface barcode 70. That is, for example, data of a plurality of (for example, two, three, or all) deep barcodes 80 is read in the first region, and if they match, the data is acquired as successful reading. If they do not match, it is determined that reading has failed and data reading is performed again on other cells 71 in the same area, and this is repeated until the read data matches.

When the reading of the data is completed in this way, the control device 21 displays the data acquired from the surface barcode 70 and the deep barcode 80 on the display device 25 and allows the user to browse (step s4).
Since the displayed data includes the producer's URL and the dealer's URL, the user can browse the producer's or dealer's homepage by pressing this and launching the browser. You can browse information.

With the above operation, it is possible to read the data recorded on the multilayer barcode 60 attached to the article such as fruits and vegetables 3.
Since data can be captured in units of layers, it is possible to access necessary data in stages.

  By writing and displaying the multilayer bar code 60 in this way, a large amount of data can be easily recorded on the article, and the bar code (surface bar code 70 or deep layer) corresponding to the required information can be recorded. The necessary data can be acquired at high speed by reading the barcode 80) and the barcodes in the corresponding areas 1 to 4.

  One algorithm by a self-similar (fractal structure) hierarchical structure in which a surface barcode 70 that is a barcode of an upper layer and a deep barcode 80 that is a barcode of a lower layer are barcodes having the same pattern rule Can handle multi-layer barcodes.

  In addition, it is possible to confirm whether there is no mistake in the delivery store by reading the fourth region of the surface barcode 70 at the time of delivery.

  Moreover, since the fiber ink is used, it can be printed directly on the fruits and vegetables 3, and even if the purchaser eats it as it is, it is harmless and can be used safely.

The multilayer bar code 60 is directly printed on the fruits and vegetables 3. However, the multilayer barcode 60 may be transferred to the fruits and vegetables 3 after being printed on a transfer sheet or pasted as a seal.
In this case, the multilayer bar code 60 can be accurately and manually attached to the fruits and vegetables 3 having various shapes.

  Further, instead of making all cells 71 of the surface layer barcode 70 the same deep layer barcode 80 in the region unit, the data stored in each deep layer barcode 80 may be different. However, for example, a predetermined number of deep barcodes 80 of the same information, such as two or three, may be provided.

  In this case, it is preferable to determine the number of information types that can be recorded in correspondence with the minimum number of fill elements determined from the characteristics of the code.

  Furthermore, in this case, the remaining fill elements may be appropriately processed, such as filling or graying with a predetermined density using a checkered pattern or the like.

  Thereby, for example, even when one of the deep layer codes is missing due to scratches or the like, information can be read from the deep layer code without scratches, and the amount of recordable information can be increased and the reliability can be improved.

  Further, the black cells 71 with the data value = 1 are configured with the deep barcode 80 and the white cells 71 with the value = 0 are set to be blank, but all the cells 71 are configured with the deep barcode 80. May be.

In this case, a threshold value for determining 1 or 0 is set in advance, and when the deep bar code 80 is incorporated in a certain cell 71, if the density of the deep bar code 80 is equal to or higher than the threshold value, If the value of the cell 71 is 1, it is incorporated as it is, and if the value of the cell 71 is 0, the deep bar code 80 may be incorporated by being reversed in black and white.
Further, in this case, the surface layer barcode 70 or the deep layer barcode 80 may be configured by adding inversion detection data capable of detecting whether or not black and white are inverted.

  As a result, it becomes possible to incorporate more deep bar codes 80, and the amount of data that can be recorded does not depend on the number of black cells in the surface bar code 70, and more data can be recorded.

Further, although the interval between the deep barcodes 80 to be arranged is set without a gap, as shown in an image diagram showing an example of another two-dimensional barcode in FIG. A configuration in which a margin is provided may be employed.
In this case, detection of the boundary of the deep bar code 80 is facilitated, and erroneous reading prevention performance can be improved.

Further, as shown in this example, a position detection pattern 91 for accurately detecting the orientation and angle, a timing pattern 93 for detecting the arrangement coordinates of the cells, and format information 92 indicating the error correction rate and the mask pattern. May be provided in a two-dimensional barcode.
Thereby, the reading accuracy and reading speed of the surface barcode 70 and the deep barcode 80 can be improved.

  Further, in this case, the rule patterns such as the position detection pattern 91, the timing pattern 93, and the format information 92 may not be formed by the deep bar code 80 but may be formed by black or gray fill.

  Thereby, it is possible to prevent the density of the regular pattern from becoming thin depending on the data recorded in the deep bar code 80, and to improve the read detection level.

The multilayer barcode 60 is composed of a two-dimensional barcode, but may be composed of a one-dimensional barcode such as a JAN code. In this case, each bar, which is a constituent element of the surface barcode 70, may be constituted by the deep barcode 80.
As a result, even a one-dimensional barcode can store data in a multilayer structure.

  Alternatively, a multi-layer barcode reading program that executes a reading process (steps s1 to s4 in FIG. 9) may be installed in the camera-equipped mobile phone so that a consumer can read the multi-layer barcode 60 with the camera-equipped mobile phone. good.

  In this case, even if the resolution of the CCD camera is low, the contents of the data recorded on the surface barcode 70 can be seen from the image data of the multilayer barcode 60 photographed by the CCD camera, and the necessary minimum information can be obtained. Can be obtained.

  In this case, if the resolution of the CCD camera is high, the data recorded in the deep barcode 80 can be read, and the URL of the producer or the store URL is accessed by the browser of the camera-equipped mobile phone, and the homepage is accessed. It becomes possible to browse.

Also, a deep barcode is created in step n2 in FIG. 4, a multilayer barcode is created in step n4 after creating a surface barcode in step n3, and this deep barcode is created after creating a deep barcode in step n2. A configuration may be used in which a multilayer barcode is directly created using a code in a cell.
In this case, it is possible to reduce the process of replacing the surface barcode cell with the deep barcode, and to speed up the process.

Further, instead of the printing device 16, a laser writing device for marking the multilayer bar code 60 on the fruits and vegetables 3 with a fine laser may be provided.
In this case, no ink is required, and the multilayer barcode 60 can be written without affecting the taste of the fruits and vegetables 3 (such as the taste of the skin portion).

  Although the fruits and vegetables 3 are vegetables and fruits, it is good also as a structure which writes the multilayer barcode 60 in not only this but foodstuff. Thereby, the multilayer barcode 60 can be written in every foodstuff.

  In addition, the multilayer bar code 60 may be written on various articles such as an electronic substrate, an electronic device, a plastic molded article, an advertisement, a book, or a stationery, without being limited to food. Thereby, the multilayer barcode 60 can be used for all articles.

In correspondence between the configuration of the present invention and the above-described embodiment,
The information recording apparatus of the present invention corresponds to the multilayer barcode writing apparatus 10 of the embodiment,
Similarly,
The deep code generation means corresponds to the control device 11 that executes step n2,
The surface layer code generation means corresponds to the control device 11 that executes step n3,
The multilayer code generation means corresponds to the control device 11 that executes step n4,
The recording means corresponds to the printing device 16,
The multilayer code corresponds to the multilayer barcode 60,
The surface code corresponds to the surface barcode 70,
The element corresponds to cell 71,
Deep code corresponds to deep bar code 80,
The fine element corresponds to the cell 81 ,
The information corresponds to the input data,
The present invention is not limited only to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and many embodiments can be obtained.

The image figure which shows the system configuration | structure of a multilayer barcode information system. The block diagram which shows the structure of a multilayer barcode writing apparatus. The block diagram which shows the structure of a multilayer barcode reader. The processing flowchart which shows operation | movement of the control apparatus of a multilayer barcode writing apparatus. The screen image figure of the data input screen for multilayer barcode recording. The image figure of a surface barcode. The image figure of a multilayer barcode and a deep barcode. The perspective view of the fruit and vegetables which printed the multilayer barcode. The processing flowchart which shows operation | movement of the control apparatus of a multilayer barcode reader. The image figure of the multilayer barcode by the example of another two-dimensional barcode.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Multi-layer barcode writing device 11 ... Control device 16 ... Printing device 60 ... Multi-layer barcode 70 ... Surface layer barcode 71 ... Cell 80 ... Deep layer barcode 81 ... Cell

Claims (4)

Based on the information to be recorded, the elements are patterned and arranged to generate the surface code,
Based on the information to be recorded, the microelements that are finer than the elements are patterned and arranged to generate a deep code,
A multilayer code is generated by constructing at least a part of the surface code with the deep code,
An information recording method for recording the multilayer code ,
The patterning rule for the surface layer code and the patterning rule for the deep layer code are the same rule,
When generating the multi-layer code, the deep code is arranged in an element that should be black in the surface code and the deep code is not arranged in an element that should be white in the surface code, or the density of the deep code If the element of the surface layer code arranged at a threshold value or more is black, the element is arranged as it is, and if the element of the surface code is white, the deep layer code is reversed in black and white and the reverse detection data is added. /> Information recording method. The information according to claim 1 , wherein different information is stored in each deep code arranged in each element of the surface code, and a predetermined number of deep codes of the same information are provided. Recording method. Surface code generation means for patterning information to generate a surface code;
Deep code generation means for patterning information to generate a deep code;
Multilayer code generation means for generating a multilayer code by incorporating the deep layer code into the element of the surface layer code;
An information recording apparatus comprising a recording means for recording the generated multilayer code ,
The patterning rule for patterning the surface code by the surface code generation means and the patterning rule for patterning the deep code by the deep code generation means are set to the same rule,
The multi-layer code generating means, when generating the multi-layer code, do not arrange the deep code in the element that should be black of the surface code, and do not arrange the deep code in the element that should be white of the surface code, Alternatively, if the element of the surface layer code where the density of the deep layer code is greater than or equal to a threshold is black, the element is arranged as it is. If the element of the surface layer code is white, the deep code is arranged in black and white and inverted. An information recording apparatus configured to add detection data . A surface code that records information by arranging elements in a pattern,
A deep code for recording information by patterning and arranging fine elements finer than the elements,
A multilayer cord in which at least a part of the surface layer cord is composed of the deep layer cord ,
The same rule is adopted and patterned in the patterning rule of the surface layer code and the patterning rule of the deep layer code,
The deep code is arranged in the element that should be black of the surface code and the deep code is not arranged in the element that should be white in the surface code, or the density of the deep code is arranged above a threshold value If the surface code element is black, it is arranged as it is. If the surface code element is white, the deep code is arranged in black and white and inverted detection data is added. Multi-layer code .

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